Carolina Panthers: Top 5 breakout candidates in 2020
By Josh Linares
3. Jermaine Carter Jr. (Carolina Panthers LB)
When Shaq Thompson was forced to miss time through injury last season with the Carolina Panthers, Jermaine Carter stepped in and played well. The player started five games and improved every time he stepped on the field.
With Luke Kuechly gone, it leaves the Panthers with only Tahir Whitehead and Thompson as their only experienced starters. Carter will get a lot of chances to make plays and make a name for himself in 2020 providing he impresses during camp.
Carter ended 2019 with 31 total tackles and two tackles for a loss. He will be entering his third season and will be looking to prove he belongs in Carolina.
The player is a solid athlete with great field vision. His ability to fly around the field on almost every down was a notable highlight regarding his overall contribution to the franchise in 2019.
Being able to learn from Kuechly the past couple of seasons, Carter should know what it takes to be a successful linebacker in the NFL. He has all the tools to be a consistent starter. And this makes him an intriguing player for the Panthers with breakout potential next season.
If he earns the starting spot, expect to see Carter rack up a lot of tackles. He also has the athleticism to become a prominent figure in running or passing downs.